HUNTERS RIGHTS COALITION APPLAUDS NEW FOREST LEGACY PURCHASE
May 17, 2012 – MADISON – The Wisconsin Hunters Rights Coalition (HRC) today applauded the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Secretary Stepp for their purchase of a working forest easement on over 67,000 acres of land in Northwest Wisconsin.
“This is exactly what our stewardship dollars should be spent on,” said Joe Koback, chairman of the state’s Safari Club Chapters Legislative Committee. “It preserves biodiversity in a large contiguous tract and provides for the preservation of hunting and trapping access on these parcels forever.”
The parcels would continue to be owned by Lyme Timber and managed for sustainable harvest – assuring a tax base for local governments and a wood for local industry and jobs. At the same time the purchase assures that lands currently open to hunting and trapping through the Managed Forest Law (MFL) program remain open to the public.
“We know well that timber tract owners are under pressure to sell their lands for development,” said Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association President Al Lobner. “This purchase allows an important economic driver for Northern Wisconsin to remain viable and provides access for the public to an amazing natural resource.”
Jeff Nass of Wisconsin FORCE added, “These lands provide a great habitat for bear, deer, grouse and many other game species. They also contain enough road access so that the public can enjoy their outdoor activity without too much difficulty.”
“We strongly encourage the Natural Resources Board to approve this acquisition,” concluded Lobner.
The Hunters Rights Coalition is Wisconsin’s only group 100% dedicated to advancing hunting opportunities and protecting the rights of Wisconsin’s hunters. The Coalition is made up of several groups including: The Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, Wisconsin Chapters of Safari Club International, the State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Wisconsin FORCE, and the National Rifle Association.
For more information please contact our representative Bob Welch 608.819.0150.